The Arabian Nights

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Streamlined without overt bowdlerization, Tarnowska’s The Arabian Nights presents a retelling of the classic story cycle made relatable for western audiences while subtly providing insight into Islamic folkways, reflecting its cultural world view and outlook on life. This text begins with an introduction that explains the oral tradition at the root of these tales, which reach through the ages and continue to captivate readers, and concludes with a glossary and list of source citations that frame the narrative as neatly as Shahrazade’s dilemma itself. Henaff’s simple, graceful acrylics are ever-present, sometimes filling pages with rich hues, but more often framing the artfully set text with geometric patterns and naturalistic flourishes. Moving fluidly between the frame story of Shahrazade’s bold plan for survival to the content of her tales, a transition noted by a change of typeface, the reader sits in on the telling of six adventures ranging from a more authentic version of the well-worn “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” to the less well-known “The Ebony Horse.” As examples of human excellence, the heroes of these tales would have provided standards for young Islamic children to follow. Each story esteems certain values--be it ingenuity, obedience, faithfulness, or mercy--which in turn reflect on the overarching tale of the teller’s predicament and the effect she wishes to have on her audience, both in-story and beyond.

• The Arabian Nights by Wafa’ Tarnowska; illus. by Carole Henaff
• Intermediate
• Barefoot Books
• 128 pp.
• Published 2010
• ISBN 978-1846861222
• $24.99
• Folktales